exhaust

exhaust [eg zôst′, igzôst′]

vt.

[< L exhaustus, pp. of exhaurire, to draw out, exhaust < ex-, out + haurire, to draw, drain < IE base * aus- > ON ausa]

1. to draw off or let out completely (air, gas, etc.), as from a container

2. to use up; expend completely [to exhaust one's resources]

3.

a) to empty completely; draw off the contents of; drain [to exhaust a well]

b) to create a vacuum in

4. to drain of power, resources, etc. [war exhausted the nation]

5. to tire out; make very weary; weaken

6. to deal with, study, or develop completely and thoroughly [to exhaust a subject]

vi.

to be discharged or let out, as gas or steam from an engine

n.

1.

a) the withdrawing of air, gas, etc. from a container or enclosure, as by means of a fan or pump

b) an apparatus for doing this, as in getting rid of fumes, dust, stale air, etc.

c) the discharge or release of used steam, gas, etc. from a steam or gas turbine or from the cylinders of an engine at the end of every working stroke of the pistons

d) the system of pipes, including mufflers, catalytic converters, etc. through which such steam, gas, etc. is released

2. something given off or let out, as fumes from a gasoline engine

exhaustibility

n.

exhaustible

adj.

exhaustless

adj.